Since 2002, URBACT has been driving change all over Europe by enabling the cooperation and idea exchange amongst cities within thematic networks, by building the skills of local stakeholders in the design and implementation of integrated and participatory policies, and by sharing knowledge and good city practices.
For the period 2021-2027, URBACT IV builds on the legacy of past Programmes and includes even more opportunities for cities to make positive change. The current Programme integrates the crosscutting EU priorities of digital, green and gender-equal policymaking into its activities.
The programme is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) with a budget of EUR 79 769 799, by the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance with a budget of EUR 5 000 000 and by the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument with a budget of EUR 2 000 000 for the period 2021-2027.
URBACT’s governance structure ensures that activities are transparent, efficient and meet the needs of European cities.
The European Commission (Directorate General for Regional and Urban Policy) oversees URBACT and guarantees activities continue to play a key role in the EU Cohesion Policy.
The Monitoring Committee, which is represented by the EU Member and Partner States, the European Commission, IPA Countries, the European Committee of the Regions and the Council of European Municipalities and Regions, defines the strategic direction of the URBACT programme and takes decisions about activities to be implemented. The members of the Monitoring Committee also exchange on the needs of cities, thematic priorities, programme links with European Urban Initiative and cohesion policy at national and European level.
The Managing Authority, hosted by the French National Agency for Territorial Cohesion (Agence nationale de la cohésion des territoires), oversees the management of the URBACT programme.
The URBACT Joint Secretariat, based in Paris (FR), implements the decisions taken by the Monitoring Committee. The Secretariat designs and delivers activities related to the objectives of the URBACT Programme.